College Lifestyles Presents the 14-Day Valentine’s Challenge!

Roses are red, 

Violets are blue, 

Sugar is sweet,

And so are you!

Remember the carefree days of love?  Where simple poems (similar to the one above) and a checked Yes or No on a handwritten crush note symbolized our relationship status with a significant other.

College Lifestyles is going back to the carefree days of love!  Starting on February 1st, we will post, tweet, tumble, and pin various topics related to love.  Our 14 day challenge will bring back the ‘warm fuzzy‘ we had from our first crush, our first sent flower, and our first dance (even if we were sporting pigtails and braces!).

We encourage you to comment on all our post, follow us using the hashtag #CLlove, RT our ‘sweet’ quotes, and of course, share the love with not just your significant other, but with your family, sisters, and best friends.

At the end of our 14 days, you will not only feel love, but you will also have shared love with others.

CL Interviews Bath and Body Works on their 2011 Campus Tour

Body Spray vs Lotion?  Candle vs oil?  Sweet vs sensual?  Decisions, decisions as we select our favorite scents for our home AND for ourselves.

Whether you go for a light spray or a rich lotion, Bath and Body Works offers an incredible selection of home and personal scents to satisfy even the toughest co-ed critic!

Bath and Body Works recognizes how we love our ‘smells’ and is excited to announce their Fall Campus Tour.  The tour has already made stops to Indiana University, Ohio State, and Arizona State University.  It’s final stop, UCLA, will take place on October 27th.

The tour includes a quiz to uncover your Signature scent, product samples, and a True Blue Spa hand massage!

Not a student at the 4 ‘lucky’ tour stops?  We sat down with Bath and Body Works to not only discuss the tour, but also to discuss future promotions and their ‘favorite’ scents amongst co-eds!

 CL:  Any ‘new scents’ or items you will be showcasing at the BBW Campus Tour?

BBW:  Paris Amour and Charmed Life are the newest scents and are featured on the tour and in our stores.

CL:  What scents are the most popular with college women?

BBW:  Our top three sellers are Japanese Cherry Blossom, Sweet Pea and Twilight Woods.

 CL:  For those not able to attend this fantastic event, what are ways we can discover our signature scent? 

 BBW:  Simply visit one of our 1600 Bath & Body Works stores or go to www.BathandBodyWorks.com to experience our 25 exclusive fragrances in the Signature Collection.

CL:  Any specific sales you are all offering for the holiday season our readers can take advantage of?

BBW:  Take advantage of our 2011 VIP Bag coming to our stores on Black Friday (November 25th)!  (Note – this bag is only available while supplies last!).

We also learned by visiting our local BBW store, Twisted Peppermint, will be available on November 28th for one week only!

 Still confused on what scent to select, we share with you our favorite BBW scents.

 ‘Be Enchanted is my new favorite!  However, I LOVE Twisted Peppermint.  Yes, I will be at the store on November 28th!’ ~Shelly, Editor-In-Chief

‘Sweet Pea!’ ~ Nicole N

‘Pink grapefruit’ ~ Megan S

‘Japanese Cherry Blossom’ ~Sana

‘I have both Japanese Cherry Blossom and Lavender and love them!’ ~Rachel N

‘Sweet pea and Vanilla’ ~Jennifer V

‘Sweet pea!’  ~Monica P

‘Warm Vanilla Sugar because it’s getting cold out!’ ~Jane J

‘Sweet pea and Forever Sunshine ’ ~Alli P

‘The Leo Scent (which ended up being grape!)‘ ~Ariana

‘Midnight Pomegranate!‘ ~Michele D

‘PS – I love you!!‘ ~Chelsea H

‘Warm Vanilla Sugar‘ ~Christina H

‘Midnight Pomegranate!’ ~Ellen R

‘Moonlight Path hands down.  It’s my go to scent.  I also like Coconut Lime Verbena for the summer time!’ ~Monica M

‘Warm Vanilla Sugar!’ ~Maggie Y

 What is your favorite BBW scent?!

 

SKC: How to Cook without a Recipe

The following post is from our friends at Small Kitchen College.

My mom is an accountant. All day at work she stares at spreadsheets, calculating numbers and making sure everything is in order. If one number is wrong, then she risks drawing incorrect conclusions. Because of her job’s strong emphasis on numerical accuracy, for a long time she avoided the kitchen. As an accountant, she had this idea in her head that anytime she cooked from a recipe she had to follow it to a T. This meant dirtying multiple measuring containers, buying the exact listed ingredients and avoiding any recipes with complicated directions or unfamiliar items. As a result, simple foods like chicken fingers, hot dogs and tacos dominated the family menu.

Then my mom had an epiphany. After stopping her channel surfing on the Food Network one day, she stumbled upon cooking shows that appealed to her busy-mom lifestyle. From watching the channel and reading recipes in magazines she started challenging herself in the kitchen. While at first she viewed recipes as strict sets of directions, she gradually began to embrace her creativity. No longer did she view recipes as firm rules, but rather as guidelines to suit one’s tastes. As she spent more time in the kitchen, recipes became a method of teaching about possible substitutions and changes to suit one’s palate.

Of course, sometimes drifting from the recipe too far can cause problems, but cooking is all about experimenting and learning from mistakes. For many, the fear of being in the kitchen comes from a fear of failure. Like my mom and her job, college students are just as obsessed, if not more, with numbers. From GPAs to financial aid and potential starting salaries to graduate school admissions rates, these figures represent measurements of college life. Yet, we all know that these measurements are never perfect. As my mom has taught me both in the kitchen and in life, you do not need a precise recipe in order to cook a good meal; rather, all you need is a few guidelines to point you in the right direction.

Bethany Imondi, a junior studying Government and English at Georgetown University, credits her mom and her no-recipe approach for inspiring her to get creative inside and oustide the kitchen. Read more…

**Recipe**

No Recipe Lo Mein
1-6 servings, depending on amount of pasta and vegetables used

This is not meant to be a recipe, but rather a guideline for how to create a hearty, healthy meal.Adjusting the quantity of ingredients makes it easy to prepare this dish for one, or big enough to feed a crowd. This dish also can be tailored to suit carnivores and vegetarians alike.

Ingredients
Long cut pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine
Assorted Vegetables, such as peppers, scallions, mushrooms, shredded cabbage
Choice of protein, if desired
Any neutral oil (vegetable, canola, etc.)
Garlic, if desired
Ginger, dried or fresh (depending on what you have on hand), if desired

For the sauce:
Soy Sauce
Hoisin Sauce
Water
Hot Sauce, if desired

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once it reaches a rapid boil, liberally salt the water and add your choice of pasta. Cook according to package directions.

While the water comes to a boil, begin to prep the vegetables and/or meat. Chop vegetables into bite-size pieces and set aside. If desired, cut up your choice of protein on a clean cutting board into slightly larger pieces.

Prepare the sauce using equal amounts of soy sauce, hoisin and water. If desired, add hot sauce to taste.

Once done chopping and the pasta has been added to the boiling water, heat oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium high heat. When the oil ripples, add the meat and stir-fry until cooked through (or no longer pink). Push the meat aside, and if desired grate in a few cloves of garlic and/or fresh ginger. If using dried ginger, add to taste.

Add in the veggies and stir fry everything together for a couple of minutes. Allow the ingredients to continue cooking as you drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the skillet, then pour sauce over mixture. Turn off the heat, and toss everything together to allow the sauce to absorb into the pasta.

Small Kitchen College is a guide to cooking, eating, drinking, and living on and off campus, with recipes, tips, and tales generated by college students across the country. If it’s campus food, we’ve got it here.

Carmindize! College Lifestyles Interviews Carmindy from TLC’s What Not to Wear!

With our planners filled with class, work, study group, and organizational obligations, it is no wonder we sometimes dash to class with our hair in a bun and basic clear lip gloss.  While we sometimes long for a polished face, we fear it will take will take 20 minutes of our precious time.

Welcome a new routine to your morning schedule – ‘Carmindize!’ College Lifestyles interviewed Carmindy, makeup artist from TLC’s What Not to Wear, for her getting and feeling gorgeous tips for the busy co-ed.  Her simple, yet stunning makeup techniques and daily self affirmations not only fit into a busy co-eds life, but also promote beauty both inside AND out!  When Carmindy is not filming What Not to Wear, she is busy promoting her latest book, Crazy Busy Beautiful:  Beauty Secrets for Getting Gorgeous Fast (I already ordered mine!), and working with Sally Hensen on her new makeup line.  Carmindy took time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions on channeling your inner and outer ‘gorgeousness!’

CL:  With the busy schedule of college students, what are simple tips you have for makeup application in the morning?

Carmindy: It only takes 5 easy minutes to get ready in the morning in a flash. I created The 5 Minute Face to help all women accentuate their natural beauty. They key for makeup lasting all day through all your classes is applying a sheer foundation first. Apply my Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Airbrush Spray Makeup to the skin and then dab on a little concealer under the eyes to hide the evidence of long nights of studying. Then dust on a little powder to set it and then “Carmindize” the face. This means applying a shimmering powder highlighter shadow on tops of the cheekbones, under the brows on on the inside corners of the eyes. Then line the upper lash line with a pencil and smudge over it with a finger and then apply black mascara on top lashes only. This is all you need to define the eyes in a hurry. Now swirl on a little powder blush to the apples of your cheeks and add a lipgloss and you are ready to roll!

CL:  What one beauty product should students use daily?

Carmindy: Always wash your face before bedtime no matter what and use Cetaphil Face Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin that cuts through makeup no matter what skin type you have. Always use sunscreen to prevent aging and  mascara and lip balm.

CL:  If you had to chose one makeup product (lipstick, mascara) for a student to use, what would it be and why?

Carmindy: I would say mascara because it really opens up the eyes.

CL: What one beauty rule should all students follow?

Carmindy: Always apply moisturizer and sunscreen and never tan in the sun!

CL: In regards to beauty confidence, what is/are simple affirmations students can tell themselves daily?

Carmindy: Do daily mirror mantras like, ‘Hi sweet cheeks” or “my eyes are gorgeous”. Never look into the mirror and say negative things like, “I hate my dark circles”. Focus ONLY on the best assets you posses for total self confidence.

For more of Carmindy’s getting gorgeous tips and to download her ‘app’ for your smartphone, visit her website www.carmindy.com.

Get Noticed at Your Internship! An interview with Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper.

How can I get the boss to notice me?  Everyone says networking is important, but how can I network successfully with my colleagues?

College Lifestyles frequently receives these and similar job related questions via our social media mediums.  While it is stressed to students the importance ‘getting an internship’ and ‘having a standout resume,’ the ‘what to do when we get the internship or job’ is often neglected.  Many of us have aspirations of working for the company of our internship, or moving up to a VP position at the company we start working with the job title ‘assistant.’

How can one network?  How can I get noticed?  Instead of turning to the ‘silly’ questions of ‘What would you do with $80,000?’ taught by speed ‘networking/social’ classes, College Lifestyles turned to 2 experts in the magazine and public relations industry to answer questions on getting noticed at our internship and work.

Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper have a combined 30-plus years experience in the public relations industry, having worked both in-house and on the agency side.  Kleiman is currently VP-public relations for Hearst Magazines, one of the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines.  Meryl Weinsaft Cooper is a co-founder and principal of Allen/Cooper Communications, a marketing, exhibitions and events company with a focus on art and lifestyle brands.  Both are authors of the book, Be Your Own Best Publicist:  Build Your Reputation, Make Yourself Indispensable, Promote Brand You.

(A Side Bar:  Be Your Own Best Publicist is used in lesson plans with the College Lifestyles interns due to its amazing, realistic content one can relate to in both work and personal life.  Mine is personally full of sticky notes and fully highlighted.)

Jessica and Meryl took time out of their busy schedule to answer our questions and put us at ease on getting noticed at internship/work.

CL:  What are simple tips you would suggest for interns and entry level job applicants to get noticed by the boss?

Jessica and Meryl: Get to work on time (or, even better yet, early), dress professionally and volunteer to help with whatever assignments the team has for you.  Most importantly, do every task — even if it’s menial — with a smile on your face.  If you have questions about how to do something, ask!  Better to ask once and do it right than try to figure it out on your own and do it wrong. Lastly, before the internship is over, see if you can get on the boss’ calendar to get feedback on your performance and, if he or she was pleased, request a reference letter.

CL: What are simple networking tips on getting to know co-workers/other interns?

Jessica and Meryl:  Be friendly and don’t be afraid to ask the people you work with to meet for coffee or lunch. Most interns are in the same position you are — they’re new to the company and want to do a good job. It’s better to support one another than compete with one another. If you’re going to ask a full-time employee to meet, be respectful of their time and offer to meet when it’s convenient for them.

CL: What is your opinion on ‘cleaning up’ social media sites while an intern/entry level worker?

Jessica and Meryl:  We are big proponents of scrubbing your social media profile to get rid of anything you wouldn’t want a boss (or your grandma, for that matter!) to see. Take down the pics of you drinking from a beer bong or scantily clad — no employer wants to see that. In fact, a recent Mashable poll shows that at least 45 percent of HR pros are now checking potential hires’ social media presence so, even if you’re still in college, keep in mind that an inappropriate post on Facebook or Twitter could stand in the way of you landing that awesome internship.

CL: Your opinion on facebook ‘friending’ a boss or supervisor?

Jessica and Meryl:  It depends on your relationship with your boss but generally we’re not huge fans of it. While you should treat every social media platform as part of your public profile, Facebook does tend to be used for more personal information and connections versus Twitter and LinkedIn, for example. If you do accept your boss as a ‘friend’, be hyper-aware of what you post (i.e. don’t call in sick and then post a photo of you at the beach!) or filter what they can and can’t see on your profile.

Stay connected with Jessica and Meryl through their website Be Your Own Best Publicist.

To order a copy of Be Your Own Best Publicist, follow this link to Amazon.

Jessica Kleiman is currently VP-public relations for Hearst Magazines, one of the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines. She has guest lectured about publicity at NYU and the Radcliffe Publishing Course at Columbia University and has written for various newspapers, Web sites and magazines.  A graduate of University of Michigan with a BA in Communication, she started her career at a magazine publicity firm and then served as director of PR at The Knot, a wedding media company. Kleiman lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and daughter and enjoys posting words she finds funny on Twitter, Facebook and her blog, Funny Word of the Day.

Meryl Weinsaft Cooper is a co-founder and principal of Allen/Cooper Communications, a marketing, exhibitions and events company with a focus on art and lifestyle brands.  Previously, as managing director  of the DeVries Public Relations‘ Home & Lifestyle division and as SVP-Partner at LaForce+Stevens, she led programs for a variety of hospitality and consumer brands including Veuve Clicquot, Viceroy Hotels, Vikram Chatwal Hotels, BR Guest Restaurants, Tourism New South Wales, Magnolia Bakery, Belvedere Vodka, Pepperidge Farm, Samuel Adams Beer, New Amsterdam Gin and Ecco Domani Wines.  A graduate of Ithaca College’s Park School of Communications, her PR experience includes stints in art, music and entertainment, including time at the Screen Actors Guild’s New York office.  She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and dog, and spends her spare time writing and producing films as well as seeking out the best culinary, travel and art experiences, which she documents in her blog, Searching for Jake Ryan.

Both authors are contributing bloggers on Forbes.com’s Work in Progress section.

Simple CL Rules to Live By

We’ve all heard the so-called ‘rules’ that nobody follows anymore. (Don’t wear white after Labor Day, anyone?) Here is a list of rules you’ll actually pay attention to – from real college girls, CL interns, a fashion icon, and our very own CEO.

1. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Even the fake ones.

2. “Pluck your eyebrows every day or every other day for a cleaned up look and also to avoid having to pay for eyebrow waxes.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

3. Great-fitting jeans are a staple of any girl’s wardrobe.

4. “Carry a Tide Pen in case you spill something on your shirt.” – Shelly, College Lifestyles CEO

5. Always wear sunscreen. No exceptions.

6. “Always take off your makeup before you go to bed.” – Roselyn, New York University

7. Floss.

8. “Keep moisturized – face and body. I feel like people moisturize the face and not the body, but the body ages too.” – Nicole, Georgetown University

9. If you wear leggings as pants, make sure they’re not see-through.

10. “Keep a facial exfoliator around and exfoliate your face 1-2 times a week to avoid dry, flaky skin as the weather gets colder.” -  Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

11. Buy foundation and concealer that works on your skin. Make sure to test them in natural light.

12. “I think that everyone should have a statement piece. Something that they wear (frequently or not) that everyone associates with them and is the best descriptor of their personality.” – Ellen, Michigan State University, CL Intern

13.  Boots are great walking shoes.

14. Dress for the weather – think layers!

15. Don’t wear makeup to the gym. It clogs your pores when you sweat and causes acne.

16. “Always bring flats! Gap makes cute ones that fold up and come in a little pouch, perfect for a night out to throw in your purse!” – Emily, SUNY Oswego, CL Intern

17. Red lipstick flatters everyone. Just make sure it’s a red that suits your skin tone.

18. ” Splurge on more expensive items for your staple pieces (Winter coat, nice dress shoes, fall boots, etc.) & bargain hunt for your basics at places like Forever 21 & Target – plain tees, zip-up hoodies, flats, etc.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

19. Never wear an outfit that you’re not comfortable in, no matter the opinions of others.

20. “Carry water at all times with you.” – Shelly, College Lifestyles CEO

21. Take proper care of your shoes to prolong their life.

22. Don’t buy heels unless you can stand in them for more than an hour.

23. Use a heat-protective spray when you blow dry your hair.

24. Know what makes you look amazing, and wear it on the days that you need an ego boost.

25. Switch the side that you carry your bag on to avoid back problems.

26. A great smile is the best accessory.

27. “Drink lots of water for minimal bloat and healthier skin, and use chapstick for the best makeup application!” – Bethany, Ohio University, CL Intern

28. Never put lingerie in the dryer.

29. “A blazer or cardigan brings any outfit a few steps up.” – Sarah, UNC-Chapel Hill

30. A wristlet is a clubbing must-have – cute, small, and you’re guaranteed not to lose it.

31. “Treat your hair to a leave-in conditioning treatment 2-3 times a month to help repair all the damage done by heat styling products.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

32. A great set of lingerie does wonders for your confidence. Even if you’re the only one who sees it.

33. You are beautiful without makeup. Don’t be afraid to go outside bare-faced.

34. “Incorporate a bit of your personality into what you wear.” – Michelle, Scripps College

35. Well-groomed nails are the hallmark of a classy woman.

36. A bright umbrella makes a rainy day that much better.

37. Dress for the body you have, not the body you want. Remember: clothes are made to make you look good, not the other way around.

38. “Show legs or upper body (cleavage), not both. For example, if wearing a mini skirt, focus on legs and wear a more modest top; if you’re wearing a longer skirt/dress, go for a halter/tank/strapless look.” – Shelly, College Lifestyles CEO

39. Travel. Be inspired.

40. “Give your nails a break from nail polish for a week or 2 each month to avoid them turning yellow. Use a nail buffer to make nails appear naturally shiny.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL intern

41. Waterproof mascara. Always. You never know when you might burst into tears.

42. The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!” -Coco Chanel

43. Wear what YOU want to wear, whether or not it’s on trend.

44. “Use gradual tanning lotion such as Jergen’s for a natural glow AND moisturizer instead of the hitting the tanning beds.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

45. Dress for class. It may be tempting to walk out the door in sweats, but you’ll be more attentive and less likely to jump back into bed.

46. Work with your natural hair texture every once in a while.

47. “Never spend loads of money on plain T-shirts. Why waste money on a plain T-shirt when you could purchase a dress or something that would make your wardrobe stand out?” – Michele, Misericordia University, CL Intern

48. Wear a watch.

49. Pearls class up any outfit.

50. You will have great outfits and “oh-my-god-why-did-I-wear-that-moments.” Learn from them. Don’t take it too seriously. Have fun.

Sasha Graffagna is a junior Journalism and Comparative Literature major at New York University. She is currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires.

SKC: One Pot Meal – Mac and Cheese!

The following post is from our friends at Small Kitchen College (SKC)!  College Lifestyles is excited about our partnership with SKC and will bring you their yummy(!) articles on a bi-weekly basis!

Earlier last week I had one of those days. My heart felt broken, my eyes could not stay awake and no amount of caffeine could break me from my slump. As the day went on, the jingle of a popular blue box of macaroni and cheese came into my head. With the words, ” I’ve got the blues” playing in my head, I began craving a rich, indulgent cure for my heartache. Rather than succumbing to the blue box, I searched through my food blogs to find a recipe that would distract me long enough in the kitchen. Once I stumbled upon White on Rice Couple’s One Pot, Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese I knew I had found a remedy.

Because the recipe requires constant attention, it was just the thing I needed to help clear my focus. Not only does it use only one pot, but also the lack of baking means it can be enjoyed on even the hottest summer days. The recipe is also flexible enough so that it can be prepared with various combinations of cheeses. Despite the popular slogan of that specific macaroni and cheese box, making the dish from scratch on the stovetop is an easy, satisfying prescription for the blues.

Bethany Imondi, a junior studying Government and English at Georgetown University and a self-proclaimed carbohydrate queen, shuns the Atkins Diet for all its suffering. Read more…

**Recipe**

One Pot, Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Adapted from White on Rice Couple
Serves 2-3

I used whole grain shell pasta for this recipe, but you can easily substitute any type of large elbow macaroni.

Ingredients

2 cups large elbow or shell macaroni, uncooked
1 tablespoon butter
¼ onion, diced
2 cups of low fat milk
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup of grated cheese, any one or combination (cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, swiss, gruyere)

Place raw macaroni in colander and quickly rinse under water. Let drain.

In a medium saucepan, about 2 quart, melt butter over medium heat and add diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add milk, raw, rinsed macaroni, salt and pepper.

On medium heat, slowly bring mixture to a simmer, stirring the macaroni frequently. Stirring will separate the pasta and keep them from sticking to one another. Do not leave the stove; leaving the mixture unattended could result in an over-boiled mess.

Once mixture comes to a simmer, immediately turn heat down between medium and low. Too-high heat will evaporate the milk too quickly.

Continue to stir the mixture frequently for about 15-20 minutes, or until milk has been fully absorbed and pasta is cooked al dente. Judge to taste. If pasta is not fully cooked after this time, add a little more milk or water to the mixture. Liquid amount will depend on how much longer pasta needs to cook.

When milk has nearly evaporated and thickened, stir in cheese.

Turn off the heat and allow cheese to melt into the mixture. Add additional salt to taste. Before serving, stir one final time to mix everything together.

College Lifestyles Interviews HGTV Design Star Contestant Kellie Clements

It’s the time of the year where we pack our belongings and move to our new home.  More than likely, our new home is a bit smaller than home sweet home.  Whether a dorm or apartment, HGTV Design Star Contestant Kellie Clements, took time out of her incredibly busy schedule and gave us some tips on turning the groans of small space living into the excitement of ‘Home Sweet Home!’

Trust us, you will find yourself heading to the nearest IKEA and fabric store from Kellie’s simple suggestions for turning your small space into functional living!   While shopping for on-line for decor products, be sure to vote for Kellie as the fan favorite on the Design Star site AND set your DVR for the Design Star finale (between Meg and Karl THIS Monday at 9est/8cst!)!

Personally, I could have chatted with Kellie all day!  Her inviting personality turned what was originally a simple interview on decorating tips, to her giving us incredible insight on her career path, suggestions for students interested in a design career, and suggestions on auditioning for future Design Star shows!

CL:  In decorating, what color combinations can make a dorm/apartment space appear larger?

KC:  I suggest a very neutral palate with a ‘pop‘ of color.    For example, my first semester living in the dorm (Kellie is a University of Central Arkansas alum), my roommate and I used a black and white palate.  We visited a local carpet store and purchased candy apple red carpet to lay on our flooring.  This was very simple, affordable, and gave our dorm a great look!  In addition, it was very easy for us to remove once semester was over.

Personally, my favorite neutral color combination is black and white.  I love the fact this palate can match any sorority color combination.  While my roommate and I chose the red accent with carpeting, you can chose any color or sorority color combo.

In addition, I understand many times in apartments and dorms, one is not allowed to paint.  Take advantage not only of the carpet, but look to hang fabrics from the wall as well as fabric window treatments.

If you are lucky and allowed to paint in an apartment, be sure to keep the wall and ceiling the same color.

CL:  In decorating, what color combinations should one avoid (or can make a space look smaller)?

KC:  Avoid very dark colors.  While black and white is a great neutral palate, avoid painting or hanging a very dark (or black) fabric on walls or as window treatments.

CL:  What are your suggestions on functional storage for dorm and apartment living?

KC:  When limited on floor space, I encourage folks to compartmentalize and think ‘up!’

When compartmentalizing, look to buy items which serve 2 purposes.  For example, look for storage in the form of ottomans OR seating with storage options.  The same storage ottoman can be used for seating and as a step stool.

When ‘thinking up,’ raise your bed off the floor by 12 inches.  Many stores (IKEA) have shelves to fit under bedding.  Use these shelves to store you shoes and books.

CL:  What are your suggestions on preventing wall damage from hanging pictures/shelves?

KC:  Hooks are now available which make only a pin hole size marking when removed.  In addition, invest in ‘stick’ hooks.  However, be sure to check weight limits on all hooks before hanging items.

CL:  Any other suggestions you have for our readers on dorm and apartment decorating?

KC:  My philosophy is to make your space fit your needs.  In a smaller space, look for furniture to serve several purposes.  For example, when purchasing sofa tables, look for one with a bottom shelf to store books and magazines.  If you are having guest over, use the same sofa table as additional table seating OR as a serving table (remove the books/magazines an add a chair or use for food placement).

CL:  Let’s talk about your career.  We (at College Lifestyles) are so excited for your success on Design Star!  What are your suggestions for students wishing to enter a contest like Design Star?

KC:  There is no reason NOT to audition for Design Star.  My biggest suggestion is to be your authentic self during the entire audition process.  Be very comfortable with yourself as a person.  (Season 7 Audition Information – click here!)

CL:  What was your favorite experience on being a part of Design Star?

KC:  Actually, I have two!

The first is the relationships are priceless.  I was able to meet some of the most incredible designers in the industry.  The designers (contestants) are the only folks who understand what we all went through (the challenges and audition process); and that is priceless.

The second was the love of the challenge.  I was excited for the challenges and truly enjoyed the work!

CL:  What suggestions do you have for students who are interested in a interior design career?

KC:  When in school, discuss with your advisors the aspects of design which peak your interest.  Discuss with your advisors how to prep for the field – for example, question if you would need to move to a more city dwelling or certain area of the country to practice a specific design field.  Don’t be afraid to ask your advisor about salaries for certain design fields.

In addition to prep discussion, explore the oppurtunity of internships AND shadowing a designer.  Always be willing to take an internship, even if it is not the ‘best’ internship or something you do not want to do, get the experience, and you will learn what you are really good at.

When exploring your career/job opportunities, be very true to yourself as a designer and start to identify what is your ‘expertise.’  You will be much more successful as a designer if you are both true to what you love and doing what you love.

CL:  What is your motto AND ultimate message to students and aspiring designers?

KC:  There is no reason not to pursue what you want to do!  You have nothing to lose as a student.  Really decide what it is you love to do and you will be successful!  Personally, I encourage and love success stories in this field!

With Kellie’s talent, warm personality, attitude, and willingness to share her story, we encourage all our readers to vote for Kellie as the fan favorite for the HGTV Design Star (click here!) and watch the HGTV Design Star finale this Monday at 9pmEST/8pmCST.

Learn more about Kellie here!

Looking to audition for Season 7 of Design Star, click here!  (Auditions will take place in New York, Las Vegas, Austin, Charlotte, Boston, Miami, and New York!)

Tune into the Season Finale of Design Star this Monday on HGTV at 9pmest/8pmCST.

September at CL – Upcoming Events and Giveaways!

Is it September already?!  Where did summer go?

September spells our favorite time here at College Lifestyles – Back to School!  We hope you were able to use the great suggestions from our Campus Countdown for a smooth transition back to school.

We have some fantastic happenings at College Lifestyles for September!

Bid Day Shirt Contest (Facebook Photo)

Do you love your bid day shirt? Send us a picture of your bid day shirt, preferably front and back, to info@collegelifestyles.org.  Please be sure to include in your message your chapter and university.  Voting will begin on 9/15 and end on 9/30.  The chapter with the winning bid day shirt will receive 20 copies of ‘Eat Well and Be Fabulous’ by Shelly Marie Redmond!  (this incredible book gives suggestions for how sorority women can stay healthy!)

Dorm Decoration Contest (Facebook Photo)

Do your friends comment on how well your dorm is decorated?  Want to show off your work? Send us your design work to info@collegelifestyles.org.  Include your name, university, and design style.  Voting will begin on 9/15 and end on 9/30.  The winning individual will receive a lap top stand from Lap Dawg.

The College Lifestyles Channel

College Lifestyles is excited to announce the launch ‘The College Lifestyles Channel’ on YouTube on 9/25.  Join us every Sunday while we bring you the best on everything College Lifestyles!

Happy September!

Mark Your Calendar – College Lifestyles August Events!

College Lifestyles has some wonderful events for the month of August, including some great giveaways and a NEW Facebook Photo Contest!

Monday, August 1st – College Lifestyles will start our ‘Campus Countdown.’

Check our site daily for your one ‘to-do’ tip to prepare you for your return to campus!

Monday, August 1st – Ask the Intern.

College Lifestyles interns are here to answer your questions about returning to campus.  Please send your questions to intern@collegelifestyles.org.

Tuesday, August 9th at 9pm EST/8pm CST – Twitter Party!

College Lifestyles will be hosting a Back to School Twitter Party.  Our topic will focus on general back to school questions including juggling an internship while in classes, time management, budget tips, resume tips, nutrition tips, and dorm/apartment etiquette.  We have great giveaways from LapDawg and School House Inc.  Hashtag – #CLchat.

Monday, August 15th – Cutest Pet Facebook Contest!

Send us pictures of your ‘cutest pet‘ to info@collegelifestyles.org.  We will post all pictures on our Facebook page for our fans to vote on ‘CL’s Cutest Pet.‘  The winner will receive a $25 gift card to PETCO.  All entries will receive a copy of Shelly Marie Redmond’s book, ‘Eat Well and Be Fabulous:   A Guide for the Modern Day Woman.‘ Voting will start August 15th and end on Friday, August 26th.

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